Empowering businesses to reduce their risk from crime was the aim of the popular annual event that returned to the South East in 2014. Free to attend, the South East Business Crime Conference took place in the heart of Westminster on Thursday the 27th November and gave businesses from across the region the opportunity to learn more about reducing their security risk. The event also facilitated meet and greets with security suppliers and live demonstrations showcasing the latest in security technology.
Kindly sponsored by DISC and Facewatch, the event was organised by the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) alongside the Metropolitan Police and neighbouring forces from Thames Valley, City of London, Sussex, Hampshire, Kent and Essex.
Commenting on the conference, James Kelly, Chief Executive at the BSIA asserted: “With businesses facing a number of emerging threats such as cybercrime and fraud, the issue of business crime remains at the top of the corporate agenda. Working together with Police forces and other local organisations can help organisations to reduce the risk they face from crime and anti-social behaviour.
“Our event aims to bring together the South East business community to provide a wealth of expert advice and facilitate useful networking opportunities for business owners looking to source an effective solution to their security challenges.”
During the course of the conference several highly informative presentations were delivered to business delegates:
MOPAC Business Crime Strategy
After an opening speech from the BSIA’s Chief Exec, James Kelly, Commander Simon Letchford of the Metropolitan Police gave an informative presentation discussing the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime’s (MOPAC) Business Crime Strategy. During the speech, Commander Letchford, asserted that the Metropolitan Police wanted London to become one of the safest cities in the world.
Developments in Cyber Crime and Cyber Enabled Fraud aimed at UK businesses
Next to take the stage was DI Chris Felton of the City of London Police. Chis discussed current trends in cyber-crime and cyber enabled fraud aimed at businesses. He also looked at recent developments as identified via Action Fraud data and intelligence products and provided advice for businesses on how to reduce the risk of cyber / cyber enabled frauds. According to Chris, enhancing awareness of cyber-crime would be, “key to cyber fraud protection.”
Community Safety Accreditation Schemes
Ken Meanwell from the Association of Chief Police Officers then gave a presentation outlining the benefits in operating community safety accreditation schemes and explained the application process to business delegates.
The ASB & Policing Act 2014: A double-edged sword
Neil Henson of Sixth Sense Training Ltd provided business delegates with an examination of the new ASB Act and how some sections could work for businesses, while others against.
Managing and Reporting Business Crime
Phillip Jones of Westfield Shopping Towns then shed some valuable insights on Business Crime Reduction Partnerships and how they play an increasingly important role in addressing low-level crime, especially in retail. As security chief of London’s two biggest shopping centres, Phillip outlined the benefits and challenges of working together across London’s entire retail sector.
Facewatch
Richard Thompson, Chief Executive at Facewatch provided delegates with an in depth explanation of what Facewatch is as well as the benefits that it can deliver to businesses through secure online crime reporting and image sharing platform.
To view the SEBCC presentations highlighted above, please visit the BSIA’s YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/TheBSIA
Alongside the informative conference programme, a range of exhibitors were also on hand to provide advice and guidance on the very latest in security services and technology that can help businesses reduce crime.
In the run up to the conference, Will Murray, Marketing Director at Skyguard, commented that, “Skyguard are delighted to be showcasing our exclusive range of personal safety alarms and apps at the BSIA’s South East Crime Conference. We have exhibited at a number of BSIA regional events in the past and always found them to be an effective way of reaching those decision makers who may not attend the bigger national events.”
Among those who exhibited were providers of lone worker protection technology, asset and property marking solutions and intruder alarms.
With over 100 delegates in attendance at this year’s the event, the conference provided exhibitors and delegates alike with a valuable networking platform, fostering future business opportunities within the security market.
For more information on the South East Business Crime Conference and other BSIA events visit the BSIA website: www.bsia.co.uk
